Deliberate Editing

Hi, there! Let’s talk about where you are in the editing process. Which Scenario most closely matches yours?

Read the scenario tabs below to find your stage in the editing process, which matches up with a service. Then scroll down and click to get a breakdown of it.

To ensure a perfect fit, contact me to get your free no-obligation sample edit and quote for every service except Emergency Editing, Critiques, and Developmental (Substantive) Editing. That way you get a sample of the finished product, my professional advice if you need a different service than you requested, and a grand total in advance. No surprises, and nothing to lose.

After several hours (weeks? years?) of wrestling with writing and revision, you’re truly done. You need an experienced editor to read the results of that hard work without condescension, tame wayward text, and send it back on deadline without taking you for another wild ride. You need a Level 1 or Level 2 edit. If you’re working with a translated document or manuscript, you’ll need Translation Editing.

The latest of your final drafts is waiting for you to make it the One. But something’s holding you back. You need an unbiased, critical look at the elements of your composition to ensure it holds water. You need a Critique.

Your editor worked wonders on it, but since this will be read by People Who Matter, you need a final set of eyes to ensure the finest details are as they should be. You need some Proofreading.

You have ideas, but that’s all they are. You need someone to help you organize them into coherence. You need a Developmental or Substantive Edit.

I steadily build and maintain clarity and consistency, bringing out the quality of all forms of writing while leaving the spirit and style of each piece unbroken.

Definition and Breakdown of Services

Emergency Editing *Popularly Requested*

This is my most popular service among academics, proposal and grant writers, and others in a time jam. It’s not in the above scenarios because I wanted to save you time flipping through tabs. If you need up to 30 pages polished to perfection by tomorrow, just send me the manuscript with “Emergency Edit” in the subject line. I’ll review it and send you a quote and PayPal invoice. The timer starts as soon as I receive your response (just reply with the word “accept” in the beginning of the subject e-mail) and payment, and I will send it back in optimal condition within 24 hours (I’m located in the GMT-5 or EST time zone). Emergency rates apply. Contact me to get it done now.

Proofreading *Popularly Requested*

A final read of already edited material, looking for any errors remaining or accidentally introduced, just before publication. Also involves ensuring the publication-ready version of material is identical to the final draft. Contact me to make your work really shine.

Level 1 is an examination of spelling, grammar, and format to ensure consistency. Level 2 is the same, but more heavy-handed, for work with numerous errors. Also ask about my ESL and translation editing service. English is my mother tongue, and I’m literate in and familiar with the language patterns of ESL native speakers of Spanish, French, and Arabic. This is important for determining context of and correcting word choice and sentence structure while retaining the original meaning as accurately as possible. Contact me to get a sample edit that will determine which level of edit you need, and then we’ll get started.

Critique

You get a look at every element of your story, from plot and character development to language usage and overall purpose fulfillment (for academic works). I’ll even provide instructive advice for making any necessary adjustments. Contact me to get a careful read and professional recommendations you can trust.

Developmental/Substantive Edit

Primarily, this entails planning, outlining, or organizing material to ensure the sound structure of the piece as a whole. I also ensure formatting and style are consistent. Contact me to pull your document or manuscript into shape.